Distalization of the entire maxillary arch with mini-implants in the posterior palatal alveolus- A case report

Abstract

A 22 year old male patient reported to the hospital with a chief complaint of forwardly placed teeth. On examination patient had Angle’s Class I malocclusion and proclination of the anterior teeth. There were signs of frictional keratosis on the buccal mucosa. Treatment plan was to extract the third molars alone and distalize the entire maxillary arch with palatal mini-implants. 0.022 MBT brackets were bonded on the buccal aspect. 0.019” x 0.025” stainless steel wire was placed sequentially. Mini-implants were placed on the posterior alveolus on the palatal surface of maxilla. Retractive force was applied from an attachment bonded on the palatal aspect of the maxillary canine. Patient was reviewed periodically. Comparison of pre-treatment and posttreatment results revealed that the entire maxillary arch intruded and translated distally with a counterclockwise rotation of the mandible with reduction in LAFH. There was a mild reduction in inter-canine with marginal expansion in the premolar and molar region. An improvement in facial profile was noted with no sign of root resorption. Thus, the posterior alveolus may be considered as a new and appropriate site for placement of mini-implant to bring about distal movement of the entire maxillary dentition.

Keywords

Orthodontic anchorage procedures; Bone screw; Palate.